CC01-15-2024Min LONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION
Longwood City Commission Chambers
175 West Warren Avenue
Longwood, Florida
MINUTES
January 15, 2024
6:00 P.M.
Present: Mayor Tony Boni
Deputy Mayor Matt Morgan
Commissioner Abby Shoemaker
Commissioner Matthew McMillan
Commissioner Brian D. Sackett
Dan Langley, City Attorney
Clint Gioielli, City Manager
Michelle Longo, City Clerk
David Dowda, Police Chief
Chris Kintner, Community Development Director
Shad Smith, Public Works Director
1. CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Boni called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
2. OPENING INVOCATION.There was no volunteer invocation speaker
present at the meeting, therefore a moment of silent meditation was
observed.
3. THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Deputy Mayor Morgan led the Pledge of
Allegiance.
4. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS. Ms. Longo read the following
announcements.
A. The Senior Matinee will be held on Wednesday,January 17,
2024, from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Longwood
Community Building, 200 West Warren Avenue. This month's
feature is The Retirement Plan.
B. Longwood Movie in the Park will be held on Friday,January 19,
2024, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Reiter Park, 311 West Warren
Avenue. This is a free event and the movie will be Minions, the
Rise of Gru.
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C. The Mid-Florida Mustang Club's 37th Annual Mustang and Ford
Roundup will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024,from 10:00
a.m. until 3:00 p.m. in the Historic District of Longwood.
5. PROCLAMATIONS/ RECOGNITIONS
A. Proclaiming January 20, 2024, as Human Trafficking Awareness
and Prevention Day in the City of Longwood.
Deputy Mayor Morgan read the Proclamation and then presented
it to Ms. Jan Edwards, Founder& President, Paving the Way
Foundation. Photographs were then taken.
B. Recognition of the 2023 sponsors for the Annual Celebrate the
Season and Breakfast with Santa events.
Mr. Capizzi and Mrs. Judi Coad, Parks and Recreation Board
Member, recognized the business sponsors of the 2023 Annual
Celebrate the Season and Breakfast with Santa events and
presented them with a certificate. Photographs were then taken.
C. Recognition of the 2023 Longwood Christmas Parade winners.
Mr. Capizzi and Mrs. Judi Coad, Parks and Recreation Board
Member, recognized the winners of the Longwood Christmas
Parade and presented them with an award. Photographs were
then taken.
D. District#3 Presentation of the Business Person of the Month
Award for January 2024 to Nas Rajabi, Owner of Shiraz Market,
188 South U.S. Highway 17-92, Longwood.
Commissioner McMillan read a brief biography on Mr. Nas Rajabi
and will be presenting him with his Business Person of the Month
Award for January at his place of business.
E. Presentation of the Beautification Award to Plaza Del Sol, 1155
West State Road 434, Longwood.
Commissioner McMillan presented Sunil Khiyani, plaza owner
with the Beautification Award Certificate and photographs were
then taken.
F. Presentation of the recipient of the Martin Luther King,Jr. Good
Citizenship Award to Sergio Urena.
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Mayor Boni read a Proclamation recognizing Sergio Urea and
presented him with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Good Citizenship
Award. Photographs were then taken.
G. Presentation of the recipient of the Martin Luther King,Jr. Good
Citizenship Award to Johnnie Richardson Sr.
Deputy Mayor Morgan read a Proclamation recognizing Johnnie
Richardson Sr. and presented him with the Martin Luther King,Jr.
Good Citizenship Award. Photographs were then taken.
H. Presentation of the recipient of the Martin Luther King,Jr. Good
Citizenship Award to Jason Byrne.
Commissioner Sackett read a Proclamation recognizing Jason
Byrne and presented him with the Martin Luther King,Jr. Good
Citizenship Award. Photographs were then taken.
6. BOARD APPOINTMENTS
A. District#2 Nomination to the Parks& Recreation Advisory
Board.
Mayor Boni nominated Erin Keefe for appointment to the Parks &
Recreation Advisory Board. Nomination carried by a unanimous
voice vote.
B. District#3 Nomination to the Parks& Recreation Advisory
Board.
Commissioner McMillan nominated Larissa Morgan for
reappointment to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board.
Nomination carried by a unanimous voice vote.
7. PUBLIC INPUT
A. Public Participation.
Damone Downs, 1362 Dunhill Drive, Longwood. He is a member of the
Home Owners Association Board for the Coventry Westlake Manor
Homeowners Association (HOA) and addressed Ordinance 23-2247,
which removed the requirement for HOA Architectural Review form be
submitted to issue a building permit. He asked the following questions of
the Commission. With the removal of Ordinance 01-1598, has the City
seen any significant cost savings? Have those resources been
reallocated? Is the City serving its citizens? He said if a homeowner puts
on a $10,000 roof with shingles that the HOA did not approve, they have
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to pursue that homeowner, and fees will increase. He asked if the City
had seen average approvals per month, which was such a constraint that
brought about the ordinance.
Pat Rance, 1366 Dunhill Drive, Longwood. He is a member of the Home
Owners Association Board for the Coventry Westlake Manor and works
as an engineer for Delta Fire Sprinklers. He noted that he was intimately
aware of the permitting process. He felt that eliminating the one form
that required the homeowner to submit as part of the permitting process
was a small step and took little time to keep within the
recommendations. He asked to return the form to the required
documents for the City. He added that if it costs the City an excess
amount of time to process that form, he suggested the City add a small
fee like $5.00 for specific neighborhoods with deed-restricted
requirements. He was only aware of three (3) or four(4) neighborhoods
that are deed-restricted communities, and Coventry is one of them. He
volunteered to help the City streamline the permitting process since he is
involved with permitting all over the State for his job.
8. MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORT
Districts#1. Commissioner Shoemaker wished everyone a Happy New
Year, and congratulated those who received awards that evening. She
expressed gratitude for the talent, love, and service of the great
community of volunteers.
District#2. Mayor Boni wished everyone a Happy New Year and
responded to comments made during Public Participation. He stated that
the City put that ordinance in place for many reasons:
• The City of Longwood was the only City with this permitting
process in place, which put it in the middle between the HOA and
the residents.
• The HOA holding up the permit process is putting the City at
liability.
• Some HOAs do not follow the rules, and the resident's perception
is that the City is not approving the permit. In reality, some HOAs
were not giving the form to allow the City to approve the permit,
further demonstrating the need for change.
Mayor Boni explained that the change does not impact the HOA authority
given to them by the State of Florida. They still have the enforcing
powers, but the City cannot be that middle person saying no to a permit
because the HOA needs to provide a form.
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Deputy Mayor Morgan asked if any other City had this particular
permitting process.
Mr. Gioielli responded that according to staff research, this is the only
City with this permitting process in place. He noted that the City has
twenty-one (21) registered HOAs. He said that sometimes a permit was
not even a denial but a lack of response from the HOA. In addition, some
HOAs claimed to be HOAs, and some expired with the State. He stated
that these issues do not reflect upon the Coventry HOA or the majority of
the HOAs in the City. The HOAs and the City share the same interest in
keeping the City and its neighborhoods beautiful.
Mayor Boni stated it was his mission to create some form of a senior
activity center in Longwood. His foundation partnered with Mercy Road
and Senior Resource Alliance, and they put together 100 cold weather
kits, including donated items like a space heater,jacket, blanket, and
gloves. The line started at 1:30 p.m. for the four o'clock event. They ran
out of kits by 4:30 p.m. with the arrival of 175 seniors. Names and phone
numbers were taken down in hopes of building more kits for those who
did not receive one. Regarding the Rotary Club of Longwood, he was
proud to have Johnnie Richardson Sr., recipient of the Martin Luther King,
Jr. Good Citizenship Award, as a member of the civic organization. He
noted that the new Rotary Club of Longwood currently has thirty-one
(31) members, and they plan to work with Longwood Elementary School
in 2024. They will implement a Rotary Reading Rodeo Program at the
school by giving books about horses to first graders, reading with them,
and bringing them on a field trip to meet a horse for the first time for
most of them. He commented that many of the commissioners and
people in the audience are members of the Rotary Club of Longwood and
are impacting the community.
District#3. Commissioner McMillan wished everyone a Happy New Year
and agreed with Mayor Boni's comments regarding the HOA issue. He
mentioned he has a HOA in his neighborhood, which took five (5) years to
be reinstated after a partial lapse, and it was a complicated procedure.
Historically, HOAs were put together by builders and then handed over to
the neighborhood. Some HOAs are not the greatest in shape or
organization, but the City has no control. He said that is no reflection
upon the Coventry HOA, which is well-run.
Commissioner McMillan said he got a text alert in December stating his
water meter at his home had been running twenty-four(24) hours, so
that system works. When he got home, he checked and found a hose
running due to having his house pressure washed. He encouraged
everyone to sign up for those alerts with the City's utilities. He
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commented that on Christmas night, he noticed water flowing out of a
homeowner's garage and flooding the front yard. The homeowner was
not there, but he contacted them later, and the City was able to come
out that night to turn off the water. He mentioned that the traffic lights
at Rangeline Road and Longwood Hills Road were not functioning
properly. He explained what he encountered at the light and mentioned
that he had noticed this situation a couple of times since he lived in that
area.
Commissioner McMillan spoke about the upcoming legislative session
and a couple of bills, including the sovereign immunity issue, that are
proposed. These bills, if passed, would go on the November ballot, which
would mean an increase for homestead exemption. He explained that
this issue is of particular interest when the City makes economic
development decisions regarding commercial and industrial projects.
Another bill version would adjust homestead exemptions based on the
consumer price index (CPI), which would change exemptions every year.
Commissioner McMillan reported on the true, good, and beautiful. For
the "true," he referred to inflation and mentioned CPI, which had
improved the past couple of years but went up in December from 3.1 to
3.4. The federal government's goal is to get it down to two (2). For the
"good," he quoted Martin Luther King Jr. in observance of his birthday,
"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to
think critically. Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true
education." For the "beautiful," he saw the SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch
in the night sky like fireworks on December 29.
District#4. Deputy Mayor Morgan mentioned he sits on sixteen (16)
different advisory boards or committees and would focus his report on
Longwood. He thanked Police Lieutenant Bradley Tollas for his twenty
(20) years of service to the community. He mentioned that the Red Sand
Project was scheduled for January 20 at 10:00 a.m. at the Seminole
County Sheriff's Office, 100 Eslinger Way, Sanford. The event was to raise
awareness of human trafficking. He thanked Mr. Gioielli for taking care
of a situation on a holiday involving a resident who had had multiple
complaints about wanting a speed trap and street sign repairs.
Deputy Mayor Morgan dressed as 7-foot Santa and visited staff at
different departments, thanking them for their service to the community
on December 22. He reported meeting with Seminole County
Commissioners Bob Dallari and Lee Constantine about Longwood's
infrastructure, particularly the intersection of State Road 434 and Ronald
Reagan Boulevard. He stated that high traffic in that area slowed down
people getting to work and taking kids to school. He thanked
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Commissioners Dallari and Constantine for their work on an upcoming
project to alleviate the traffic on roads belonging to the state and county,
not the City. He will provide more details as the project comes to
fruition. In partnership with the Longwood Elementary School Vice
Principal Amy Sink, Deputy Mayor Morgan announced that there was a
major project to get a shade structure for the school playground. He
attended a school board meeting and told them about a renowned
playground maker in Longwood. The business is called PlayNation
Orlando, and they were willing to do the project for half the price. After
discussions with school officials, he got PlayNation approved for the job.
He reported that Longwood Elementary will also hold a Fun Run in
February to raise money for the shade.
Deputy Mayor Morgan attended a Heroes Strong Board meeting on
January 10 and commended President David Rubin for creating a
museum for all the heroes who have served the community. Items
included a police officer's or veteran's uniform on display, and he
thanked Johnnie Richardson Sr. for donating his colonel's uniform. He is
a Sertoma Club member and helped fill sixty-four(64) bags for their golf
fundraiser. He attended the Food Truck Battle, Concert in the Park, and
Car Show held in downtown Longwood.
District#5. Commissioner Sackett mentioned he has a PlayNation
playground and was glad something would be done for the children at
Longwood Elementary School. He attended a Council of Local
Governments in Seminole County (CALNO) in Altamonte Springs. The
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will present an upcoming
presentation on artificial intelligence (Al) and street lights. He felt
Longwood should be able to Al all of their street lights and will keep
everyone posted. He attended the Food Truck Battle and Concert in the
Park. He thought the food trucks were still too expensive, especially for
families, quoting the price for loaded fries as $17 and a small cup of
coffee as $6. He reiterated the idea of a $5 menu for kids and wanted
food trucks to be family-friendly at local events.
Commissioner Sackett commented that this is the last week to sign up for
Longwood Babe Ruth Baseball, and skill assessments will start soon. He
had asked about Code Enforcement and reported thirty-six (36)
properties in the City with 1.3 million dollars in liens. He requested an
update on whether these property owners are making any progress or
just sitting on the property waiting for it to sell. He thought the money
from the liens could be used for many projects in the City, such as a pool
for Lyman High School. He planned to go to Minnesota in June but will fly
back for commission meetings.
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Mayor Boni stated he would be out of town on February 5 and unable to
attend the commission meeting. He submitted a request to the city clerk.
9. ANY ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA.
Commissioner Shoemaker requested that Item 10D be pulled for a
separate discussion.
10. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approve the Minutes of the December 4, 2023, and December
18, 2023, Regular Meeting.
B. Approve the Monthly Expenditures for December 2023.
C. Approve the Monthly Financial Report for November 2023.
D. Approve a purchase order in the amount of$99,785.05 to
Wright-Pierce, Inc.to provide professional engineering services
in support of the Landings and Coventry Water Service Line
Replacement Project and authorize the City Manager to execute
any associated documents.
Commissioner Shoemaker moved to approve Items 10A
through 10C as presented. Seconded by Commissioner
Sackett and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Discussion ensued on Item 10D. Mr. Smith presented the Item
and explained the two subdivisions have older water connections
and need constant repairs.
Deputy Mayor Morgan moved to approve Item 10D as
presented. Seconded by Commissioner Shoemaker and
carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. City Commission to hear a public request for a Conditional Use
Permit (CUP 02-23) at 141 East Pine Avenue for an Accessory
Dwelling Unit.
Mr. Langley stated this was a quasi-judicial matter, and anyone
wishing to speak on behalf or in opposition to this Conditional Use
Permit (CUP 02-23) was requested to stand and be sworn in. He
then swore in those wishing to speak.
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Mr. Kintner presented the Item, and noted that staff is
comfortable with the accessory structure being on the property
and adding a kitchen. He then answered questions.
Brett Hiltbrand, 3711 Trails End, Longwood, 32779. He noted
their intent is as Mr. Kintner has presented. He also stated they
were at a meeting when the Commission passed the Tiny Home
Ordinance. He explained their biggest problem has been to find
properties large enough to do it within the City. His company is
Cornerstone Tiny Homes.
Mayor Boni opened the public hearing. No one spoke in favor or
opposition to the Conditional Use Permit.
Commissioner Sackett moved to close the public hearing.
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Morgan and carried by a
unanimous voice vote.
Commissioner Sackett moved to approve the Conditional
Use Permit as presented Item 11A. Seconded by Deputy
Mayor Morgan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
12. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 23-1650, which
amends the fiscal year 2023-2024 budget and authorizes funding
for the purchase of a Bypass Portable Pump.
Mr. Langley read Resolution No. 23-1650 by title only.
Mr. Smith presented the Item.
Deputy Mayor Morgan moved to adopt Resolution No. 23-
1650 as presented Item 12A. Seconded by Commissioner
Sackett and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
B. Approve a purchase order in the amount of$49,048.94 to Hydra
Service, Inc. for the purchase of a Bypass Portable Pump.
Mr. Smith presented the Item.
Deputy Mayor Morgan moved to approve Item 12B as
presented. Seconded by Commissioner Sackett and
carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
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C. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 24-1654, which
amends the fiscal year 2023-2024 budget and authorizes funding
for the East Longwood Phase 2 Septic Tank Abatement Project
ITB#23-PW-ITB-008.
Mr. Langley read Resolution No. 24-1654 by title only.
Mr. Smith presented the Item.
Deputy Mayor Morgan moved to adopt Resolution No. 24-
1654 as presented Item 12C. Seconded by Commissioner
Sackett and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
D. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 24-1655, authorizing
to execute three (3) Local Agency Program Agreements between
the State of Florida Department of Transportation and the City
of Longwood concerning the Longwood South Pedestrian
Corridor Sidewalk Project.
Mr. Langley read Resolution No. 24-1655 by title only.
Mr. Smith presented the Item and Mr. Gioielli passed out a map
for the commissioner's reference.
Commissioner Sackett asked when the project was anticipated to
be completed.
Mr. Smith replied by October.
Deputy Mayor Morgan moved to adopt Resolution No. 24-
1655 as presented Item 12D. Seconded by Commissioner
Shoemaker and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
E. Approve a cure plan for 126 North Ronald Reagan Boulevard for
Taco Bell.
Mr. Kintner presented the Item.
Deputy Mayor Morgan moved to approve Item 12E as
presented. Seconded by Commissioner McMillan and
carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
F. Approve a Memorandum of Understanding Agreement between
Seminole County and the City of Longwood regarding the Skylark
Subdivision Drainage System Rehabilitation at 800 and 804
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Raven Avenue and approval of a purchase order to Pegasus
Engineering in the amount of$99,000.
Mr. Smith presented the Item.
Deputy Mayor Morgan moved to approve Item 12F as
presented. Seconded by Commissioner Shoemaker and
carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Gioielli reported the new fire station was undergoing a peer review
phase which is a requirement of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA). Staff plans to submit a Grant application to FEMA, in
hopes to get a grant of over a million dollars. He stated there has been
specialized training for all of the firefighters and equipment installation is
being finalized for the new Fire Department ladder truck. He anticipates
the vehicle to go into service next month, and there will be a ceremony
involving firefighters and commissioners. He reported the fence at the
City cemetery that was knocked down due to a car crash has been
repaired. Mr. Gioielli commented Ms. Rosado was prepping for the audit
which starts the first week in February.
14. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT. No report.
15. CITY CLERK'S REPORT
Ms. Longo reported the 44th Annual JOY"Juvenile of the Year"Awards will
be presented at the next meeting on February 5, 2024. There will be a Tri-
County League of Cities Meeting held in Orlando on Thursday and they will
be swearing in the new officers for 2024.
16. ADJOURN. Mayor Boni adjourned the meeting at 8:02 p.m.
Minutes approved by City Commission: 02-05-2024.
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Tony : • • , Mayor
ATTES :
C,
City Clerk
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